Former calls: KC0NXT, AC0CK
Since I was a young lad in Jr. high, I had been interested in radio and electronics. My first radio was a Heathkit HR-10B that I bought at a garage sale that didn`t work. So out came the soldering iron to touch up some bad soldering joints from the previous owner. Alas! Success! I enjoyed that radio so. With a long wire strung up on my dads roof, I listened for what I could hear late at night slowly turning the dial with only the glow of the tubes and dial light in my bedroom!
I bought just about every electronic kit available at the Rat Shack when other kids were spending their money on Atari games. Ah yes. I had a greater vision! The ultimate goal was a Ham radio license. But it wasn`t til much later in life when that dream became a reality. Now just trying to make up for lost time! Hi!
Shortly after getting my Technician ticket in August, 2002, I founded the Washington Area Amateur Radio Club 
(WAARC, see www.waarc.net ). Of which I have served as President for many years. About a year later, getting my General ticket in October 2003. Then with encouragement from a friend, getting my Amateur Extra in April 2005.
Our club (WAARC) co-sponsors the Southeast Iowa Hamfest located in West Liberty, Ia. held every October, with the Muscatine Amateur Radio Club (MARC), which keeps us busy in the fall.
Besides being active in the WAARC, I`ve been a member of the EIDXA (Eastern Iowa DX Assn.), 
, the Clinton Amateur Radio Club and the Breakfast Club HF net.I am an ARRL member and an active ARRL VE (Volunteer Examiner).
I enjoy mentoring new hams and promoting Amateur radio in our local communities.
I sponsor an Echolink repeater node (AB0DX, node # 343657) connected to the club 2-meter repeater (W0ARC) in which I am trustee of.
I have recently assembled a HF pack radio for pedestrian mobile fun. I really enjoy hiking around with the pack
trying to put out as big sig as possible. Folks love to work pedestrian mobiles!! 
Speaking of mobiles, I have 160-440 in my van with a Tarheel screwdriver for 160-10M,vertical for 6M FM,vertical for 2M FM, two N0URW loops stacked for 2-meter ssb, and a vert. for 440FM. "Big roof make great place for big mobile antenna farm!!" says `ol wise one!!
I love to operate portable with my FT-857D and Buddipole and homebrew antennas on the beaches of Florida.
Enjoy casually chasing DX, providing comms. at public service functionsand ARRL Field Day!!
Shack equipment includes an IC- 756PROII, IC-718,Heil GM Goldline-5.1 mic, Ameritron AL-811A amp, Cushcraft A3S, verticals.
I was formerly a reserve Deputy for eight years and still work full-time for a large utility company since 1986. I also own my own part-time appliance business.
Other hobbies: I enjoy playing bass guitar in my praise team band at church and love Bluegrass and southern Gospel.
I have two grown children and an understanding wife. ( They have to be.to live with a Ham!!)
Hope to meet you on the bands!
73 All, de Mark, AB0DX
